Chabahar plays a central role as India's wheat aid all set to reach Afghanistan

Chabahar Portis thelink that has helped India in sending its humanitarian aid of 5022 MTwheat consignment toAfghanistan deal during the coronavirus pandemic.The vessel that set sail from Kandla port in Gujarat reached theShahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar on April 15 2020.

Dr Behruz Aghaei, Chabhar Port General Director on the arrival of Indian aid said, "One of the unique advantages of Chabahar is its transit capabilities. Today, Chabahar is one of the most flourishing southern ports of Iran on the transit domain, which can play a vital role in regional trade connectivity."

The 5022 MT is the first consignment of 75000 MT of wheat India is sending to Afghanistan as a gift. Shipment will be cleared and transited through Milak border to Afghanistan next week.

Afghan Ambassador to IranAbdol Ghafoor Liwal while expressing his "special thanks to both India and Iran as our friend and neighbouring country for helping transit of shipment" said, "port of Chabahar has very good potential and proper facilities to send Afghanistancargoes to different destinations in the world"

It must be kept in mind that in the past when India was keen to send aid to Afghanistan via land, Pakistan used to block it. This changed in 2017 when New Delhi first sent wheat aid via Chabahar to Afghanistan, which now has become a norm.

Located in southeastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman,Chabaharis the home for Iran's only oceanicport.The operation of theShaheed BeheshtiPortatChabaharwas taken over byIndiaPorts Global Co in December 2018.

Meanwhile, Friday saw India sending 100,000 paracetamol and 500,000 hydroxychloroquine tablets to Afghanistan via Ariana Airlines.